2015 Newmar Dutch Star: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2015 Newmar Dutch Star
Only 6 defect reports have been filed with NHTSA about the 2015 Newmar Dutch Star, which is too few to compute mileage percentiles or a risk score. The reports reported fuel injector failure.
When each failure gets reported
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel injector failure | fuel | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 8.6 | $450–$2,800 | Moderate |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 2 | 2 | — | 3k | — | 8.6 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Wiper or washer failure | glass | 1 | 1 | — | 25k | — | 4.3 | $120–$800 | Moderate |
| Unclassified problem | other | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 4.3 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Other electrical problem
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 newmar dutch star. The contact stated that there was a burning odor in the restroom of the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that screws had come loose in the fuse panel; allowing the electrical wiring to come into contact with one another. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,500.
Vehicle was sitting in dealer's lot and caught fire in the middle of the night. Investigation by fire marshall, and subsequent insurance adjusters believe this loss to be due to an electrical problem in the coach. The coach has been deemed a total loss...updated 10-20/15*bf updated 12/4/2017*cn
Wiper or washer failure
The vehicle was driving down the road. The driver side windshield wiper when engaged at low medium or high speed but in the case it failed at low speed. The wiper on driver side goes off windshield to side mirror and fails. *dt consumer stated product malfunctioned driving down the interstate. Updated 10/9/18*jb
Recalls on the 2015 model year
NHTSA has issued 11 recall campaigns covering the 2015 Newmar Dutch Star, affecting an estimated 1,551 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover exterior lighting:headlights, steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connection, equipment and electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
2,038 vehicles 2018-04-18- Defect
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Newmar Ventana, 2015-2016 Newmar London Aire, and 2013-2017 Newmar Dutch Star motorhomes. When switching from using the low beam headlights to the high beam headlights, the low beam headlights go out when the intention was to have both beams illuminate.
- Consequence
- Without the low beams also illuminated when the high beams are on, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will correct the vehicles so that the low beam stays illuminated when the high beam is switched on, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2018. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
2,139 vehicles 2018-03-27- Defect
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Newmar Ventana, 2011-2017 Newmar Dutch Star, and 2011-2014 Newmar Mountain Aire vehicles, built on Freightliner XBR chassis and equipped with Cummins ISL engines. The power steering hose on the affected vehicles may be routed incorrectly, and, as a result, the hose may rub against the power stud on the starter motor, possibly causing electrical arcing and a power steering fluid leak.
- Consequence
- If the power steering hose contacts the power stud causing a power steering fluid leak, additional steering effort may be needed increasing the risk of a crash or an electrical arc may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and Freightliner dealers will reroute the power steering hose, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2018. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar's number for this recall is FL-762.
EQUIPMENT
34,699 vehicles 2017-12-15- Defect
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling various 1995-2018 motorhomes. A list of the affected vehicles available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V809-2309.pdf. These motorhomes are equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers that may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or excessive force may be needed to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product…
- Consequence
- In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and instruct them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began on February 7, 2018. Owners may contact Kidde customer service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information or owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-574-773-7791. Newmar's number for this recall is 17E-062.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
1,167 vehicles 2017-08-09- Defect
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2014 Moutain Aire and 2014-2017 Dutch Star recreational vehicles built on Freightliner XCR chassis manufactured by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA). These chassis have a battery cable mounting bracket may not have been installed correctly, as a result, the improperly routed and clipped battery cable can contact the frame rail, possibly chafing and short circuiting.
- Consequence
- A battery cable short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and DTNA dealers will inspect and revise the battery cable mounting bracket and cable routing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 20, 2017. Owners may contact Daimler Trucks North America at 1-800-547-0712 or Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar's number for this recall is 17V-451.
EQUIPMENT:RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER
1,289 vehicles 2017-06-30- Defect
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Newmar Dutch Star and 2015-2017 Newmar Ventana motorhomes. In the affected motorhomes, the driver side and passenger side powered night shades can be lowered by using the remote when the ignition is in the ON position.
- Consequence
- If the vehicle is being driven and the button on the remote is pushed, the night shades may lower, blocking the driver's view, possibly increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners and dealers will install a relay to disable the operation of the driver and passenger night shade by the remote when the ignition is in the ON position. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300.
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
7 vehicles 2016-10-07- Defect
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dutch Star motorhomes manufactured July 24, 2014, to September 10, 2014 and built on a Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) XCM, XCR, or XCL motorhome chassis. In these vehicles with a heavier, adjustable, straight foot pedal, the brake activation signal to certain towed devices may not deactivate when the motorhome service brakes are released.
- Consequence
- If the brake activation signal to a towed device remains active when the motorhome chassis service brakes are released, the brakes on a towed device may remain engaged depending on brake configuration of the trailer. As a result, the brakes would drag and possibly overheat potentially resulting in a fire. Additionally, following drivers may be confused by the motorhome's actions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and Freightliner dealers will modify the affected pedal assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar's number for this recall is 16V 654.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
1,243 vehicles 2016-06-28- Defect
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Dutch Star and Mountain Aire and 2015-2016 London Aire and Essex motorhomes manufactured January 28, 2013, to December 14, 2015 and built on a Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) chassis. The throttle pedal position sensor on the affected vehicles may not return to zero, causing the engine brake to suddenly not activate as expected, reducing the vehicle's deceleration ability.
- Consequence
- A sudden loss of an engine brake without warning on a motorhome may lead to a reduced brake capacity, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and DTNA dealers will replace the throttle pedal, free of charge. The recall began on August 5, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar Customer Service Department at 1-800-731-8300 or Daimler Trucks North America LLC at 1-800-547-0712, or by e-mail at DTNA.Warranty.Campaigns@Daimler.com. Newmar's number for this recall is 16V 321.
STEERING
510 vehicles 2016-06-08- Defect
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Dutch Star motorhomes manufactured from June 5, 2014, through October 16, 2015, and built on a Freightliner chassis. In the affected vehicles, the steering box may have been manufactured with an incorrect spacer with insufficient height that can cause too much play, causing the connection to wear between the steering wheel and the front axle.
- Consequence
- The steering wheel's connection to the front axle could fail resulting in a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and Freightliner dealers will inspect and replace the steering box if necessary, free of charge. Note: Owners are urged not to drive their vehicles until they have been inspected. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact Freightliner customer service at 1-800-547-0712 or Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar's number for this recall is 16V 366.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
1,150 vehicles 2016-04-28- Defect
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Dutch Star, Mountain Aire, Essex, and 2015-2016 London Aire vehicles manufactured March 27, 2013, to October 16, 2015 and built on a Freightliner chassis. On certain recreational vehicles built with a heavier, adjustable foot pedal, the brake activation signal to certain towed devices may not deactivate when the service brakes are released.
- Consequence
- If the brake activation signal to a towed device remains active when the motorhome chassis service brakes are released, the brakes on a towed device may remain engaged depending on brake configuration of the trailer. As a result, the brakes would drag and possibly overheat potentially resulting in a fire. Additionally, following drivers may be confused by the motorhome's actions, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and Freightliner dealers will modify the affected assemblies, free of charge. The recall began on May 26, 2016. Owners may contact Freightliner/Daimler Trucks North America LLC at 1-800-547-0712 or Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300. Newmar's number for this recall is 16V-204.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
979 vehicles 2015-12-01- Defect
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 King Aire, 2009-2014 Essex, 2011-2015 Mountain Aire, Ventana, and Dutch Star, 2012-2014 Ventana LE, 2012-2015 Canyon Star, and 2015 London Aire motorhomes. The affected vehicles are equipped with refrigerator door latches that may inadvertently lock without the operator's knowledge.
- Consequence
- If an individual climbed into the refrigerator and the door inadvertently latched, the person would not be able to open the door, increasing their risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will install a new replacement door latch that will not automatically latch, free of charge. The recall began on January 24, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
1,085 vehicles 2015-11-30- Defect
- Newmar Corporation (Newmar) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ventana and Dutch Star motorhomes and model year 2014 Mountain Aire and Essex motorhomes manufactured May 31, 2015, to January 21, 2015. The affected vehicles have cargo door lock actuators that may overheat and melt the actuator housing.
- Consequence
- A door lock actuator that overheats may increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Newmar will notify owners, and dealers will install a new low voltage disconnect module and wire harness for the door lock actuator, free of charge. The recall began on January 4, 2016. Owners may contact Newmar customer service at 1-800-731-8300.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
Every year of the Newmar Dutch Star
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2015-2020 generation, 2019 Newmar Dutch Star scores best at 85 and 2018 Newmar Dutch Star worst at 85.
What the reports on file say
The complaints recorded against the 2015 Newmar Dutch Star are fuel injector failure (2 reports), other electrical problem (2 reports, around 3k miles) and wiper or washer failure (1 report, around 25k miles). With a sample this size these are anecdotes rather than a pattern, and they are shown because somebody looking at this exact car would rather see them than nothing.
Why this page is short
A model year needs about 8 reports before percentiles mean anything, and this one does not have them. Complaint volume tracks how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road, so a thin page usually means a rare car, a new car, or a car whose owners do not file.
Other years of the same model do have enough: 1999, 2000, 2018 and 2019. The mechanical parts are often shared across those years, so their pages are the better guide to what this one is likely to do, with the caveat that a shared part is not a shared production line.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed